When you think about car accident victims, what groups come to mind? Vehicle occupants and pedestrians are probably at the top of the list. After a bit of thought, people might add motorcycle and bicycle riders. However, the truth is that car accident injuries and fatalities can involve a broad range of individuals. One often-overlooked group: Skateboarders. As a recent incident reminds us, skateboard accidents can be serious, even deadly. Sometimes the rider is at fault, but other times fault lies with the vehicle driver or another third-party. In those cases, our skateboard accident lawyer in Santa Rosa, San Francisco, and Oakland can help the injured and/or grieving recover compensation for their loss.
Skateboarder Killed by Car Near Santa Rosa
According to The Press Democrat, a male skateboard rider was killed in an accident on northbound Fulton Road on Friday night. A CHP spokesperson said that the skateboard rider had been travelling on the shoulder when he swerved into the path of a GMC Yukon at approximately 9:15 P.M. near the intersection of Fulton and River roads. The rider suffered major injuries and was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital where he later died. Police say that the rider veered into the SUV’s path for unknown reasons and the driver was unable to avoid a crash. Although the investigation is ongoing, police do not believe alcohol or drugs were a factor and do not expect to charge the driver in the incident.
Skateboard Injuries: Statistics and Causes
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While it appears that Friday’s accident in Santa Rosa was not caused by driver negligence, crashes between skateboards and cars can have many causes. Driver negligence and driver inattention are most certainly among the causes of serious and even deadly skateboard accidents. Other causes might include a dangerous road condition or a defective skateboard.
Skateboard Safety Tips
As always, at The Brod Law Firm, we believe in prevention first. While many accidents are not the fault of the rider, it is still wise to exercise caution. The Safety Tips: Skateboarding page on KidsHealth.org, a nonprofit subdivision of The Nemours Foundation focused on improving children’s health, provides a number of suggestions aimed as providing a safe skateboarding experience. These skateboard safety tips include:
- Obey all local and state laws, including those governing where skateboarders may ride.
- Always wear a helmet and choose one specifically made for skateboarding.
- Ideally, all riders should use knee and elbow pads. This is particularly important, however, for beginners. Pads should be snug but should not constrict circulation or limit movement. Mouthguards, gloves, and other protective clothing are also recommended.
- Always wear well-fitting, close
d-toes shoes (i.e. no sandals) with a grippy gum rubber on the soles. - Beginners should ride in a driveway or skate park. In skate parks, obey all rules and check to see if they reserve certain areas for certain experience levels. Empty pools are tempting, but be sure to check the surface thoroughly before riding in one.
- Rough riding surfaces are especially dangerous and you should look out for any obstructions (e.g., rocks, sticks) as well as cracks in the surface. Trail and mountain-boarders must be particularly alert.
- Eating right and exercising can also help ensure a safe boarding experience.
- Falling is a reality. Learn to fall properly by crouching to limit distance. Try to land on fleshier parts of the body and roll rather than breaking the fall with your hands/arms.
- Follow skateboard etiquette. Wait for your turn in crowded skateparks and communicate with other riders to avoid collisions.
- Be honest about your skill level. Don’t attempt tricks that exceed your abilities.
- Never hitch a ride from any sort of vehicle including cars, buses, trucks, or even bicycles.
- As KidsHealth explains: “The greatest threat to skateboarders is cars. Falls hurt, but they are rarely fatal. Collisions with large objects, however, can kill. Kids should never ride in the street.”
For more tips, see the CHP’s Skateboards, Rollerblades, and Scooters brochure.
A Law Firm for Injured Skateboarders and Families Grieving a Skateboarding Fatality
Skateboarding can be a lot of fun and we always encourage physically active hobbies. Still, skateboarding can be dangerous. Most injuries are relatively minor, but broken bones, concussions, and even death are very real risks.
If you or your child was seriously hurt in a skateboarding accident in Northern California and you believe someone else was at fault, call our Northern California recreational injury law firm. As a skateboarding injury lawyer in Oakland, San Francisco, and Santa Rosa, Attorney Brod can help you and/or your family get justice and recover compensation.
See Related Blog Posts:
When Adventure Goes Wrong: Compensation for Injuries in Extreme Sports and Adventure Activities
San Francisco Skateboarding Accident Attorney Protecting Skateboarders Injured by Negligent Drivers
(Image of broken board by Terry Ross; Image of skateboarder by Flickr user phrawr)